Archive for the ‘Pulmonary function’ Category - Part 6

Table 1 summarizes the results of pulmonary function testing and the BAL parameters of the studied subjects at time of diagnosis. The mean values of the pulmonary function tests for the group were normal. The BAL cell determinations showed an increased number of cells (mean, 18.7 x lOVml) and an increased lymphocyte count (mean: 29.7 […]

Adjusted means were estimated by covariance analysis and tested with an F statistic. Residuals were examined to verify the normality assumption. In the treated group, the predictive value of BAL lymphocyte count for the responsiveness to steroid treatment was evaluated by correlating the variation of pulmonary functions before and during treatment to the initial BAL […]

Study Population and Follow-up One hundred nineteen subjects with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis were seen at the clinic during the study period. We excluded 12 subjects who had a follow-up of less than six months, as well as nine subjects who had a BAL fluid recovery of less than 35 percent. This report is based on […]

Methods Subjects All consecutive patients with recently diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis referred to the Laval Hospital Sarcoidosis Clinic during a period of 72 months from September 1980 to September 1986, were enrolled in this prospective study. We considered sarcoidosis recent if symptoms dated less than four months or, in asymptomatic subjects, if the first abnormal chest […]

Sarcoidosis, a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by an increased number of T-lymphocytes in the lung, more specifically, the helper subset.’ These activated T-lymphocytes may modulate the histologic changes seen in this disease. Immunoglobulin-producing cells are also increased. Alveolar macrophages are activated, secrete angiotensin convertase, and show an enhanced ability to present antigens. […]

Conclusion Integrative cardiopulmonary exercise testing is an important application of physiology to clinical medicine. The understanding that gas exchange into and out of the lungs during exercise provides information about the function of the heart, lungs, pulmonary circulation, and systemic circulation and their interactions has led to increasing use of exercise testing in a variety […]

Second, there should be agreement on which variables should be interpreted and how much confidence can be placed on decisions made using these variables. Thus, predicted values and their limitations should be discussed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of invasive (arterial catheters and pulmonary artery catheters) studies should be contrasted with the information available from […]

(4) For Preoperative Evaluation Evidence suggests that preoperative integrative cardiopulmonary exercise testing may identify patients undergoing thoracotomy and lung resection who have an increased likelihood of postoperative complications. The conditions of these patients may not be detected with usual screening tests such as a resting electrocardiogram or pulmonary function tests. Conversely, a preoperative exercise test […]

On the basis of this study and studies reviewed above, it is likely that an integrative cardiopulmonary exercise test would be very useful in the evaluation of dyspnea or exercise intolerance of unknown etiology. This evaluation could save the expense of unneeded tests and a prolonged diagnostic workup if performed early in the patients evaluation.